METHOD FOR HANDLING MOTOR VEHICLE KEYS

摘要

A method for handling a motor vehicle key used to service a motor vehicle comprises receiving a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle key for the motor vehicle and using the motor vehicle key to perform service on the motor vehicle. A combination-controlled lockbox is made accessible to an authorized motor vehicle retriever for the motor vehicle by setting a combination for the lockbox and, after performing service on the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle key is secured in the lockbox. After securing the motor vehicle key in the lockbox, the motor vehicle key is available to the authorized motor vehicle retriever for the motor vehicle by use of the combination. The combination may be communicated to the authorized motor vehicle retriever, or may be provided by the authorized motor vehicle retriever. The combination can be set before or after the motor vehicle key is secured in the lockbox.

主权项

1. A method for transferring a motor vehicle key to an authorized motor vehicle retriever, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) placing the motor vehicle key inside a compartment of a lockable container, wherein the lockable container has, for each compartment:
a closure, the closure being movable between:
a closed configuration obstructing public access to the compartment; andan open configuration permitting public access to the compartment;a locking mechanism acting between the container and the closure for selectively locking the closure in the closed configuration; anda combination-activated control mechanism coupled to the locking mechanism for controlling locking and unlocking thereof;the control mechanism arranged to unlock the locking mechanism in response to entry of a correct combination and to maintain the locking mechanism locked in response to entry of an incorrect combination; andthe control mechanism being selectively reconfigurable with a plurality of correct combinations; (b) using the locking mechanism to lock the closure in the closed configuration; and (c) configuring the control mechanism with a new correct combination; wherein at least step (a) is carried out other than by the authorized motor vehicle retriever; and wherein steps (a), (b) and (c) may be carried out in any order.